As we age, the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle becomes more apparent. Regular physical activity is key to maintaining health and well-being into old age.
Among the various forms of exercise, walking stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. But the question arises: How many steps should we walk every day to ensure that we are in optimal health?
The main number for maintaining health
A study published in Journal of the American Medical Association Cardiology It provides a precise answer to this question. The study, which analyzed the habits of 6,000 women over the age of 63, determined that walking about 3,600 steps a day is enough to maintain good health. This number of steps is a moderate measure that provides significant benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12%.
Research shows that even a relatively low level of daily physical activity can have a significant impact on our health, challenging the idea that a large amount of exercise is necessary to achieve positive results.
On the other hand, Lindsay Bottoms, Professor of Exercise Physiology and Health at the University of Hertfordshire, provided additional information on the subject. She points out that the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease is not significantly reduced by exceeding 7,500-8,500 daily steps.
Although walking more steps may be beneficial, the additional benefits of increasing your step count beyond this range are limited. In other words, walking between 3,600 and 8,500 steps per day can be an effective strategy for maintaining health, without requiring excessive effort.
The importance of consistency and adaptation
It is important to remember that regardless of the specific number of steps, the consistency and adaptability of the exercise is crucial. The key is to incorporate walking regularly into your daily routine and adjust it to suit your individual abilities.
For those who are just starting to incorporate walking into their daily lives, it is recommended to start with small goals and gradually increase. This not only makes it easier to adapt to the new habit, but it also helps to avoid potential injuries.
For people over 60, walking is an effective and accessible way to stay healthy. Achieving approximately 3,600 steps per day can provide significant benefits for cardiovascular health and overall health. While walking more steps can provide additional benefits, the key is to find a balance that suits individual needs and abilities.
The important thing is to stay active and enjoy the process, as each step is a step towards healthy and full aging. Start incorporating this simple practice into your life today and take steps towards a healthier future.
“Infuriatingly humble social media buff. Twitter advocate. Writer. Internet nerd.”
